Chicago Blues Update

Live Blues reviews by Chicago Blues editor Lordy

Blues Beat: Chicago (Photos by August Lord)

Nellie “Tiger” Travis  at Buddy Guy's Legends

I like to go out and listen to live blues music between the holidays. Of course, I mean between New Years and Christmas usually, but I like to include the short period between Christmas and New Years also.

Blues diva, Nellie “Tiger” Travis appeared at Buddy Guy’s Legends during the recent holiday week. Most blues fans outside the Chicago area are aware of this famous venue, so I don’t cover it as much as some of the lesser known suburban haunts, but knowing that it is moving to a newer location made this kind of a pilgrimage. I am so religious that I have been there four times last month. Chicago stalwart, Johnnie Drummer and his band opened the night and got our clapping’ hands ready and warm.

Nellie “Tiger” Travis brings a lot of Southern soul to her blues. She is an entertainment package for sure, displaying attitude when necessary and soul continuously. She will engage you in the party, so don’t try to hide. Her version of “I’d Rather Go Blind” is moving, and reminds me of the song before it was a beer commercial. Her band is essentially The Masheen Company band led by Ronnie Hicks. Both Hicks on keys and Kenny Hampton on bass contribute to vocals with especially smooth soul harmonies. Max the Argentina Soul Brother was on lead guitar and Nellie’s son was on drums.

My Tiger favorite is “I’ll Take You There.” With such a capable and tight band, and her passionate voice, you most certainly will tap your feet. I was thinking “Hell, that girl could take me anywhere.”

If you are coming to Chicago for one of Buddy Guy’s 21 Nights in January, you may be run across Nellie “Tiger” Travis and her band. Buddy has given them the honor of opening for him on one of the evenings.